Sale of Jim Palmer Trucking tied up in legal dispute

An Illinois man is suing his business partner and a Missouri-based trucking company over ownership of Montana-based Jim Palmer Trucking, claiming the business and some of its equipment was sold without his knowledge or permission.

The lawsuit was filed in District Court in Missoula, Mont., where Jim Palmer Trucking is headquartered, by Milan Kangrga. Kangrga alleges his business partner Blazo Gjorev and Transportation Logistics Corp. International, doing business as Wil-Trans, committed a host of violations, including breach of contract, civil conspiracy, unjust enrichment and actual malice.

The suit seeks a jury trial and to have the sale of Jim Palmer Trucking declared void. Kangrga’s lawsuit also seeks punitive damages and voting rights of all shares and member interests in the business.

The lawsuit alleges that in April 2011, Kangrga and Gjorev each owned 50 percent of the Jim Palmer entities. The two parties reportedly entered into a written agreement whereby Gjorev would purchase Kangrga’s ownership stakes for $1 million to be paid through an initial deposit and monthly installments. All shares of stock and member interest in the companies were placed in escrow until the purchase price was paid in full.

In the event of default, Kangrga’s agreement entitled him to exercise the voting rights of all shares and member interests in the companies. Kangrga alleges default occurred after Feb. 1 of this year, and that the remaining balance owed is $595,000. The suit also alleges that Gjorev sold 50 used trucks and 180 used trailers without Kangrga’s knowledge or consent, and attempted to do the same by selling Jim Palmer to Wil-Trans on March 31.

In an answer to the complaint filed on behalf of Wil-Trans, the company’s attorneys denies that Wil-Trans purchased the business, stating that the company has been misidentified and should not be party to the suit. They too, requested a jury trial and seek damages in the form of attorney’s fees and court costs.